Make your home healthy

So, you believe the spit-and-polish regimen that keeps your home sparkling also spooks the germs away? You may do well to learn the findings of a recent survey. Your home could be a hotbed of germs and pollution.

The International Consumer Hygiene Survey, 2008, detected germs in the usual suspect spots-the kitchen and bathroom-and uncovered two other unlikely hotbeds in your home: the bedroom and living room (see box). A group of researchers at the University of Arizona found similar results.

They tested 14 surfaces and found maximum germs in the kitchen-on sponges, dishcloths and sinks-and the least on toilet seats. Based on the studies conducted by Charles E Gerba of the University of Arizona- the order of contamination, from most to least is: dish rag, kitchen sink, toilet bowl, garbage can, refrigerator and bathroom door knob.

According to the International Consumer Hygiene Survey, the surest way to keep your home germ-free is to train your housekeeping skills on the four hotspots below.